Origin and Habitat: Stapelia olivacea is a South African endemic found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, and Western Cape Altitude range: 900 - 1100 metres above sea level.Habitat and ecology: This species grows amongst stones and boulders in mountainous areas. Despite its wide range, it is locally very rare and does not appear to be common anywhere today.

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Cultivation and Propagation: Stapelia olivacea is a quick-growing species that blooms easyly when mature. They require moderately watering through the growing season but enjoy plenty of water and some fertiliser in hot weather, this helps them to flower freely. Water more sparingly in winter according to temperatures. But, as with most asclepiads, it is unwise to leave them wet in cold weather. Winter care presents no problems at 5°C with plenty of light. Since roots are quite shallow, use a cactus mix or add extra perlite or pumice to regular soil potting soil. A gritty, very free-draining compost is suitable, and clay pots help the plants to dry out between watering.Sun Exposure: Partial sun or light shadePest and diseases:Stapelia species vary in their susceptibility to rotting, but are generally fairly easy to grow, especially if kept pest-free. They are very susceptible to stem and root mealy bugs, and damage from these may well initiate fungal attack. If you do have problems with a stem or with basal rotting, you can reliably isolate the healthy parts, dry them off, and re-root them in moist compost. Cultural Practices: Re-pot every 2 years.Traditional uses: The Khoi-San people eat or chew the stems as an appetite suppressant Propagation: Easiest with stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to dry a day before planting. Stems must be laid (Not buried) on gritty compost and will then root from the underside of the stems. It can also be increased from seeds sowing in spring in moist, sandy peat moss.Potting medium: Since roots are quite shallow, use a cactus mix or add extra perlite or pumice to regular soil potting soil. A gritty, very free-draining compost is suitable, and clay pots help the plants to dry out between watering.